DIC Entertainment Looks to “Cell” Its Properties
DIC Entertainment partnered with SmartVideo Technologies, Inc., to create “DIC Kid’s Network,” the world’s first animation channel for cell phones. DIC will make its library of more than 100 programs such as Inspector Gadget, Madeline, and Strawberry Shortcake available for viewing globally on cell phones and wireless devices for the first time using SmartVideo’s proprietary technology that recreates the true TV experience, even over low bandwidth connections.
In other news, DIC secured pre-sales with broadcasters worldwide for 27 half-hour episodes of Trollz due on air in fall 2005. To date, the company has signed on TF1 (France), CBBC (UK), Mediaset (Italy), RTVE (Spain), Club RTL (Belgium), Alter TV (Greece), Televisa (Mexico), Saran (Turkey), TV New Zealand, and Hasbro (free TV across Latin America). Additionally, home entertainment rights were granted to TF1 video and to BBC Worldwide.
Take-Two Interactive Software Scores New Deal
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., signed long-term, third-party exclusive licensing relationships with Major League Baseball Properties, the Major League Baseball Players Association, and Major League Baseball Advanced Media, giving Take-Two sweeping video game rights. Under these exclusives, Take-Two will develop, publish, and distribute a broad portfolio of interactive, officially licensed video games starting in spring 2006. In related news, Derek Jeter, New York Yankees All-Star shortstop and 2004 Gold Glove recipient, agreed to be spokesperson and cover athlete for the licensed 2K Sports baseball simulation series.
Raw-7 Brings Edge to Warner Bros. Properties
Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Raw-7 partnered on a new collection of hip men’s and women’s cashmere sweaters (suggested retails, $290 to $425) and fashion tops (suggested retails, $88 to $290) featuring graphics inspired by the Looney Tunes and DC Comics icons such as Superman, Batman, and Supergirl. The line is scheduled to arrive at retailers such as H. Lorenzo and Kitson in Los Angeles, Blue Bee in Santa Barbara, Atrium in New York, Opposite in Miami, Yellow Dog in Brentwood, Joan Shepp in Boston, and Savvy at Nordstrom’s.
Archie Comics Goes Mobile
Archie Comics Entertainment, LLC, awarded the worldwide wireless/mobile telephone platform rights for content based on Archie Comics characters to Nazara Technologies Private Ltd. Content included in the deal encompasses mobile phone games, wallpapers, screensavers, comic panels or strips, and MMS greeting cards.
Aurora World Inc. Is in the Pink
Aurora World Inc. partnered with MGM to produce, manufacture, and distribute an exclusive line of six plush Pink Panther products. The line includes two poseable plush; two variations of Aurora’s Stuffs (otherwise known as pillows); and one exclusive Pet Carrier, which includes the carrier and an 8-inch Pink Panther. The Pink Panther movie is set for release September 23, 2005.
Family Guy in the Limelight…Again
Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising signed on two licensees as it expands the licensing and merchandising program for Family Guy. The new agreement with Take-Two’s 2K Games will create an action/adventure video game due on shelves in 2006. Fox’s deal with Airborne Entertainment will allow fans to download an ever-expanding array of wallpapers, wireless games, applications, and animated ringers directly to their mobile phones. Family Guy wireless content will be available this spring in anticipation of the show’s relaunch on primetime Fox May 1. Additional Family Guy products from Airborne Entertainment will be released throughout the year and will reflect the themes and events of specific episodes.
National Geographic Closes New Deals
National Geographic entered into a licensing agreement with Night Owl Optics Night Vision for a line of Generation 1 and 2 NGS night-vision monoculars and binoculars. The collection is inspired by more than a century of expedition and exploration and consists of nine optical products.
Dittydoodle Works to Hit the Airwaves
Rogar Studios has begun production on an enhanced version of Dittydoodle Works. The educational series is expected to roll out on public television stations nationwide in 2005. The program first gained recognition in 2000 when it aired as a series of interstitials for WLIW New York Public Television.
TLC Appoints New Execs
The Licensing Company appointed Risa Turken managing director of TLC North America Inc. Other company additions include Matt Logan as North America regional director for Michelin and Jennifer Bomhoff as licensing director for Allied Domecq.
Rosales Named President of Discovery Commerce
Discovery Communications, Inc., appointed Frank Rosales president of its retail and licensing division, which now will be known as Discovery Commerce. As president, Rosales will provide strategic direction and vision for all of Discovery’s retail, e-commerce, t-commerce, and licensing businesses. He also will spearhead the search for new ways to leverage Discovery brands in the consumer marketplace through third-party retailers, expanded global licensing endeavors, and emerging digital platforms.
Benson Joins Scholastic Entertainment
Scholastic Entertainment hired Katherine Benson as director of national TV sponsorship sales, a newly created position. In this role, Benson will build sponsorship revenue by selling the Maya & Miguel animated TV series airing on PBS Kids Go!
It’s Showtime
Registration is open to Licensing 2005 International Show, June 21-23, Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City. Preregister now for FREE Exhibits Admission—a $100 savings—by clicking on https://www.showreg.net/LSI2005 or call (800) 331-5706 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday).
Preregister for Licensing 2005 International today to access brands and properties from every major consumer category available for product extension and retail and promotional programs in one place, at one time. For complete show details, including a list of exhibitors, visit www.licensingshow.com.
New, Expanded TOY FAIR Education Program
License! subscribers receive an additional 20 percent discount off Early Bird pricing for TOY FAIR seminars (held February 21 and 22 at Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City)—that’s a savings of $90 off the regular price of the new and expanded education program.
Register by January 31 with the special PDF registration form for License! subscribers only found on www.licensemag.com and save! No additional paperwork is necessary; just complete and fax the preapproved form today.
This year’s program is the most comprehensive ever, featuring eight subject tracks, including: Licensing and Legal, Manufacturing, Online Experience, Marketing and Promotion, Safety, Business Development, Business Innovation, and Retail. Plus, more than 40 information-packed panels and presentations on relevant, timely issues that are shaping the future of the industry and strategies that can save you time and money. Visit www.toy-tia.org for the full schedule.
License! March
Did you know that brand and trademark licensing represent $34.2 billion at retail worldwide? In the fight for market share and shelf space in today’s challenging retail environment, the most cost-effective way to communicate your brand’s appeal to retailers, licensees, and promotional executives is by advertising in License!. Our March issue focuses on up-and-coming brand licensors, plus MIPTV, and is your key to maintaining vital retail and manufacturer partnerships that translate into profitable category extensions and merchandising programs.
New Addition: License! Online Tracker
Every month, License! publishes the most up-to-date information on licenses currently available and licenses recently granted. This is one of the most widely read sections of the magazine, and now it’s available online. You can search by properties, products, licensees, licensors, licensing agents, categories, and dates. Click on the tracker logo onwww.licensemag.com or go directly to http://tracker.licensemag.com to make a new licensing connection.
For more licensing news and features, visit www.licensemag.com. For more information on Licensing 2005 International Show, visit www.licensingshow.com.
